VN Ren'Py Abnormal [v0.7] [Emerald Deceivers]

[Birdnman993]

How come you have to get so far into the story, before the choices show up?

A bit true, I have to really prepare myself to keep reading, the swimsuits part was especially torturous for me.

 

[Ravnen]

A bit true, I have to really prepare myself to keep reading, the swimsuits part was especially torturous for me.

I got tired of just clicking a while in and simply clicked skip, to see if there would be any thing to do to in long run. I was pleasantly surprised that some choices did occur, I only believe there should have been more..

 

[Emerald_Deceivers]

On the question of how kinetic it is, will the choice between looking for Reina or Sadie at the end lead to fundamentally different routes?

The reason I ask is because choices are good for increasing immersion, except that when there are mutually exclusive options which just result in one scene being different then this often decreases immersion because most players will watch both scenes anyway, except that only one of them "really happened" in the game.

I want Steph to get as sapphic as possible with Reina, but for me the game really takes off when Sadie is on screen, so I'll always pick the maximum Sadie option.

So was that choice important to the plot, or could we have met Reina at the mall and then come back home to find Sadie on our bed?

Thanks for your comments! I do struggle with implementing the choices for the reasons you specified, but I also think that's just an inherent issue with any choice-based game. I'm trying to play Baldur's Gate 3 right now in my very limited spare time, and I'm save-scumming through the whole damn thing trying to experience as much as possible and totally ruining the immersion. Obviously I have issues.

But anyway, to address your specific question: I don't plan on that choice having huge differences in the plot (although that could change), they were both basically meant as a way to get Stephanie to a certain place mentally, just different ways based on your flavor preference.

However, you bring up a good point i.e. Sadie being in the room when she gets home from speaking to Reina. I didn't plan to do that if you chose to talk to Reina, because then why would you choose to talk to Sadie if the conversation is going to happen anyway, you know? But, I know Sadie is kind of a fan favorite and I know the pain of wanting it both ways and not getting it, so I might add it to the Reina path anyway. It would certainly make writing things a lot easier going forward. What do you think, is that a good or bad idea?

It feels like there’s no option for a lesbian storyline. From the beginning, the MC has been fixated on men, constantly seeking their validation and attention. If you want to incorporate a lesbian path, it would be better to let players choose whether they want to engage with or tease men. Also, the lack of choice regarding the exhibitionist elements isn’t that great either.

Thanks for the comment and criticisms! I do appreciate it. I hear you, I really really wish I could add a bunch of choices to shape the experience to everyone's preferences. Unfortunately, if I did that the game would take 20 years, have 17 different paths, and be a lot shorter. I'm only one person and this is my first game and the whole thing is a learning experience. In the future I'd probably use a different engine that would allow better workflow and therefore more options and choices, but right now each choice I add greatly increases my work load; so, sorry, you're stuck primarily with my version of the story. Maybe the description of the game still isn't clear, but it sounds like it just might not be for you.

That said, if you are inclined to continue playing my game, I am cognizant of how Steph views boys in relation to the lesbian path. Based on your choices, inner dialogue where she expresses curiosity about boys may or may not appear. The swimsuit scene is a choice you can avoid if you don't want her teasing boys - I did that specifically for people like you. It also affects her dream, again, to feature a boy or a girl. So I have been adding those choices, but it's likely my version of the story or my sub-par writing are sabotaging those efforts, so I apologize.

Also, her story is about discovery; and the original plan of the game was to include lesbian experiences in addition to hetero ones, but since making it public I see a loud call for a lesbian-only option which I'm trying to work on, so things may not be perfectly consistent. Again, consider that a failure of writing and planning on my part - like I've said multiple times: first game, experiment, work in progress, new to this, yadda yadda.

How come you have to get so far into the story, before the choices show up?

Because I'm a nneeewwwbbb. This began as an education: learning python, ren'py, and Studio Neo from scratch. By the time I felt comfortable enough in Neo to delve further into python and how to implement multiple paths, the story had progressed quite a bit. Originally I planned to just make the whole thing kinetic and then go back to add paths once the story was complete, but when learning how to do something new you also want to apply it, so I started adding in choices as I went. It just took me awhile. Sorry!

 

[Ravnen]

Thanks for your comments! I do struggle with implementing the choices for the reasons you specified, but I also think that's just an inherent issue with any choice-based game. I'm trying to play Baldur's Gate 3 right now in my very limited spare time, and I'm save-scumming through the whole damn thing trying to experience as much as possible and totally ruining the immersion. Obviously I have issues.

But anyway, to address your specific question: I don't plan on that choice having huge differences in the plot (although that could change), they were both basically meant as a way to get Stephanie to a certain place mentally, just different ways based on your flavor preference.

However, you bring up a good point i.e. Sadie being in the room when she gets home from speaking to Reina. I didn't plan to do that if you chose to talk to Reina, because then why would you choose to talk to Sadie if the conversation is going to happen anyway, you know? But, I know Sadie is kind of a fan favorite and I know the pain of wanting it both ways and not getting it, so I might add it to the Reina path anyway. It would certainly make writing things a lot easier going forward. What do you think, is that a good or bad idea?



Thanks for the comment and criticisms! I do appreciate it. I hear you, I really really wish I could add a bunch of choices to shape the experience to everyone's preferences. Unfortunately, if I did that the game would take 20 years, have 17 different paths, and be a lot shorter. I'm only one person and this is my first game and the whole thing is a learning experience. In the future I'd probably use a different engine that would allow better workflow and therefore more options and choices, but right now each choice I add greatly increases my work load; so, sorry, you're stuck primarily with my version of the story. Maybe the description of the game still isn't clear, but it sounds like it just might not be for you.

That said, if you are inclined to continue playing my game, I am cognizant of how Steph views boys in relation to the lesbian path. Based on your choices, inner dialogue where she expresses curiosity about boys may or may not appear. The swimsuit scene is a choice you can avoid if you don't want her teasing boys - I did that specifically for people like you. It also affects her dream, again, to feature a boy or a girl. So I have been adding those choices, but it's likely my version of the story or my sub-par writing are sabotaging those efforts, so I apologize.

Also, her story is about discovery; and the original plan of the game was to include lesbian experiences in addition to hetero ones, but since making it public I see a loud call for a lesbian-only option which I'm trying to work on, so things may not be perfectly consistent. Again, consider that a failure of writing and planning on my part - like I've said multiple times: first game, experiment, work in progress, new to this, yadda yadda.



Because I'm a nneeewwwbbb. This began as an education: learning python, ren'py, and Studio Neo from scratch. By the time I felt comfortable enough in Neo to delve further into python and how to implement multiple paths, the story had progressed quite a bit. Originally I planned to just make the whole thing kinetic and then go back to add paths once the story was complete, but when learning how to do something new you also want to apply it, so I started adding in choices as I went. It just took me awhile. Sorry!

Cheers.. Well the choices have appeared and so far Im guessing Steph is on a gxg route, which is what I prefer.. Ive declined all boys so far, and if Im not mistaken the route with Reina is about boys, but the route with Sadie, I believe she is called, is about girls.. Am I onto something here?

 

[radoxthegreen]

Thanks for your comments! I do struggle with implementing the choices for the reasons you specified, but I also think that's just an inherent issue with any choice-based game. I'm trying to play Baldur's Gate 3 right now in my very limited spare time, and I'm save-scumming through the whole damn thing trying to experience as much as possible and totally ruining the immersion. Obviously I have issues.

But anyway, to address your specific question: I don't plan on that choice having huge differences in the plot (although that could change), they were both basically meant as a way to get Stephanie to a certain place mentally, just different ways based on your flavor preference.

However, you bring up a good point i.e. Sadie being in the room when she gets home from speaking to Reina. I didn't plan to do that if you chose to talk to Reina, because then why would you choose to talk to Sadie if the conversation is going to happen anyway, you know? But, I know Sadie is kind of a fan favorite and I know the pain of wanting it both ways and not getting it, so I might add it to the Reina path anyway. It would certainly make writing things a lot easier going forward. What do you think, is that a good or bad idea?



Thanks for the comment and criticisms! I do appreciate it. I hear you, I really really wish I could add a bunch of choices to shape the experience to everyone's preferences. Unfortunately, if I did that the game would take 20 years, have 17 different paths, and be a lot shorter. I'm only one person and this is my first game and the whole thing is a learning experience. In the future I'd probably use a different engine that would allow better workflow and therefore more options and choices, but right now each choice I add greatly increases my work load; so, sorry, you're stuck primarily with my version of the story. Maybe the description of the game still isn't clear, but it sounds like it just might not be for you.

That said, if you are inclined to continue playing my game, I am cognizant of how Steph views boys in relation to the lesbian path. Based on your choices, inner dialogue where she expresses curiosity about boys may or may not appear. The swimsuit scene is a choice you can avoid if you don't want her teasing boys - I did that specifically for people like you. It also affects her dream, again, to feature a boy or a girl. So I have been adding those choices, but it's likely my version of the story or my sub-par writing are sabotaging those efforts, so I apologize.

Also, her story is about discovery; and the original plan of the game was to include lesbian experiences in addition to hetero ones, but since making it public I see a loud call for a lesbian-only option which I'm trying to work on, so things may not be perfectly consistent. Again, consider that a failure of writing and planning on my part - like I've said multiple times: first game, experiment, work in progress, new to this, yadda yadda.



Because I'm a nneeewwwbbb. This began as an education: learning python, ren'py, and Studio Neo from scratch. By the time I felt comfortable enough in Neo to delve further into python and how to implement multiple paths, the story had progressed quite a bit. Originally I planned to just make the whole thing kinetic and then go back to add paths once the story was complete, but when learning how to do something new you also want to apply it, so I started adding in choices as I went. It just took me awhile. Sorry!

My advice (for what it's worth) is only to make scenes mutually exclusive if the things they involve really are mutually exclusive, like a fundamentally different sort of relationship with a character e.g love/hate or ignore/have sex with.

Very often all the choices the player really wants/needs are "am I interested romatically/sexually in this character or not?".

In other words, put everything you want to in, but give people the option to opt out of bits they don't like.

In terms of the Reina/Sadie choice, I'd say if anything it makes more sense to remove the choice in that surely Steph would want to talk to Reina about things, but Sadie has shown that she's quite willing to invite herself into the house and sit on Steph's bed. So why not give those of us who like both of them the best of both worlds?

 

[x~Minchen~x]

Just finished it, nice game so far. Stephanie has a good personality and I love her looks. As for her friends, I like Sadie the most and can see her as the main love interest. Not a super fan of the mom stuff. Her bro is nice is a funny way. The shop owner is cool too (forgot her name). The current choices were fine, but I noticed that skipping can take a while.

 

[HollowDux]

Alright... I'm currently at the shower scene with the cum on the floor... Just to clarify, did I misunderstand you and you will be adding a lesbian storyline in the future? Or this is it?
If this is truly what you envision for a "lesbian path," I'll just stop playing and stop bothering you with that. However, I think you can expect a few more confused lesbians in the future.

you're stuck primarily with my version of the story. Maybe the description of the game still isn't clear, but it sounds like it just might not be for you.

Lesbian path but not for lesbians... okidoo

 

[Kheram]

Lesbian path but not for lesbians... okidoo

It is not about path, it is about story, you either like it or not.

 

[HollowDux]

It is not about path, it is about story, you either like it or not.

I like the story or I would not be here.

 

[Birdnman993]

I played the update a while ago, but I've had a hard time finding the words about the content, story, and characters, so I'll try to write the first thing that comes to mind.

What I liked the most was being able to reconcile Steph and Reina, I really enjoy their interactions and how little by little they become more confident with each other, there's also the fact that Reina helps Steph not to feel ashamed about sex and not to belittle herself for it.

With Sadie it's more or less the same speech, but in a different way, I realize that this is a way of seeing how Steph can feel about sex, with Reina it's about enjoying sex and doing all kinds of perverted things and with Sadie it's more about exhibitionism, showing off and doing sexy things without losing her virginity.

One thing I don't understand is the "Abnormal" philosophy, which is this supposed sexual superpower of keeping your virginity but doing all kinds of sexual things. I know that's what the game is named after, but honestly it's a silly philosophy. It made me cringe when the brother explained the concept.

Lastly, I hope that Steph and Reina can continue to discover what things they like when it comes to sex or fetishes and can develop an unconventional relationship. Reina is a bit of a nymphomaniac, but she definitely loves Steph more than anything, so I think it's fine for them to have all kinds of sexual experiences together but still love each other.

With Sadie, it's the same for him, but with limits. In my opinion, it seems like the perfect concept for the lesbian route that some are looking for, although I prefer that Dev does what feels natural to him.

 

[Kyril87]

Not a bad effort.
I have to give my pedantry a little freedom here. The word is 'strait-laced', as in tightly laced and inflexible -- prone to the 'vapours' if agitated. 'Straight-laced' is just wrong.
Nearly everyone gets this wrong, but most aren't worth the effort of correcting.
Best wishes!

 

[Mograx]

I've enjoyed this one immensely. The MC is absurdly cute. One might even say abnormally so.

 

[thanks for the demos]

Not a bad effort.
I have to give my pedantry a little freedom here. The word is 'strait-laced', as in tightly laced and inflexible -- prone to the 'vapours' if agitated. 'Straight-laced' is just wrong.
Nearly everyone gets this wrong, but most aren't worth the effort of correcting.
Best wishes!

A delightful bit of pedantry. I got this wrong in the past and do appreciate the charming correction.

As someone who likes this game for its warm-hearted and funny coming-of-age story (with slow pacing + a female MC who is pretty-cute-but-not-unrealistically so, smart and values kindness.) kudos to the dev and you, kind sir or madam.

 

[lemaro]

Emerald_Deceivers any news?

 

[Emerald_Deceivers]

I have to give my pedantry a little freedom here.

Fixed! And thank you!

any news?

Been mired deep in the writing stage, which is the hardest and longest part of the process. The more I bang on this keyboard the easier it'll be to get updates out; so soon, hopefully! Sorry for the long delay!

 

[lemaro]

Fixed! And thank you!



Been mired deep in the writing stage, which is the hardest and longest part of the process. The more I bang on this keyboard the easier it'll be to get updates out; so soon, hopefully! Sorry for the long delay!

dont be sorry, I should say sorry - that wasn't meant to come off as a complaint xD glad that you're OK and looking forward to it!